Last week, David Cameron formally tendered his resignation as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Firstly, I would like to thank the Prime Minister, and George Osborne, for their excellent stewardship of the UK economy. Having arrived in office during a recession, they leave behind a legacy of high levels of job creation, (over 175,000 jobs in the West Midlands and 2.5 million jobs UK-wide), higher average wages, 3 million more apprenticeships and, presided over tax cuts for over 31.4 million people.
With David as leader, the Conservative Party championed a manifesto with a clear commitment to creating a more equal, and tolerant society. This led to the adoption of same sex marriage Act, the introduction of a new National Living Wage and, culminated in the UK making an international commitment to spend 0.7% of GDP in support of international humanitarian aid projects.
I would also like to acknowledge the Prime Minister's commitment to delivering an In-Out Referendum. Although I, like the Prime Minister, campaigned to Remain in the European Union, I respect the democratic result. In the House of Commons I consistently voted in support of this referendum and believe that the high turnout and close result reflects on just how strongly the electorate felt about this issue.
In addition to these achievements, I also congratulate David for his success in enhancing the UK's road and rail infrastructure and for delivering over 700,000 new homes - many of which have been made all the more accessible to young people through innovative schemes such as 'Help to Buy'.
During his premiership, the UK has also seen more money being invested into the National Health Service than ever before, one million more pupils now attend good or outstanding schools and the reforms to policing, delivered by Theresa May in her role as Home Secretary, have created a more transparent, tolerant and efficient Police service.
I hope that residents will join me in acknowledging the challenges faced by those in positions of leadership and in expressing gratitude to David Cameron for his work in office. I wish both him and his family well in the future.